Podiatry is a speciality that focuses on the lower limb (leg and ankle) and foot. Podiatrists deal with a broad range of issues that may arise in this part of the body. Musculoskeletal Podiatrists specifically assess the way that your feet and legs move. Perhaps you have pain in the area, or maybe you’re simply looking for advice before undertaking your next big adventure. Podiatrists are experts in footwear and orthotics, as well as the diagnosis and management of movement issues stemming from your feet.
When seeing a Podiatrist, you may be offered exercises to do, advice on footwear, custom made insoles (orthotics), or any of a range of other interventions. Most importantly, you will be provided with advice and leave with a better understanding of the role that your foot has in your overall movement patterns and/or symptoms.
Common reasons why someone may see a podiatrist include:
At Auckland Physiotherapy, our Podiatrist has been practising in musculoskeletal podiatry for 13 years and has studied for 9 years (so far…). He holds his Masters and is on track to finish his PhD in 2023. Meet Aaron Jackson here.
Whilst you do not need to be referred to see a Podiatrist, it is helpful to bring along any previous medical notes or reports relating to your case. Additionally, our Podiatrist would love to see your shoes so please bring along some examples of what you regularly wear.
Aaron can assist with:
The common things that podiatrists do that Aaron cannot help with:
Sprains and fractures can feel similar, but an inability to put weight through the leg, very localised bone tenderness, or obvious deformity makes a fracture more likely and needs urgent assessment.
A sprain usually follows a twist or “roll” of the ankle, with pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising, but you can often still stand or limp a few steps.
A fracture is more likely if you heard a crack, cannot take 4 steps, have sharp pain directly over the bone (rather than the soft tissues), or the ankle or foot looks misshapen.
Simple X‑ray rules help doctors decide if imaging is needed; your physiotherapist can screen you and refer on if a fracture is suspected.
At Auckland Physiotherapy we regularly see ankle and foot injuries and can quickly tell if you are more likely dealing with a ligament sprain, tendon injury, or something that needs urgent imaging and specialist input.
Most sprained ankles and many foot injuries can be managed with a combination of load management, targeted exercises, and hands-on physio, with surgery rarely needed.
Early on, treatment focuses on reducing pain and swelling, using relative rest, ice, compression, elevation, and sometimes braces or moon boots for short periods.
As pain settles, your physio will guide you through progressive exercises to restore movement, strength, and balance, which research shows helps prevent repeat sprains and long‑term instability.
Hands‑on treatment such as joint mobilisation, massage, and taping can help improve comfort and movement for some ankle and foot conditions.
For issues like Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and posterior tibial tendon problems, structured loading programmes and sometimes orthoses or footwear changes are key parts of treatment.
At Auckland Physiotherapy, your plan is tailored to your sport, work, and goals, and may also include Pilates, strength and conditioning, and run assessments where appropriate.
Recovery time varies, but many mild sprains settle in a few weeks, while more severe ligament, tendon, or bone injuries can take several months to fully resolve.
Mild ankle sprains may allow a return to light activity within 2–4 weeks, while moderate sprains often need 4–8 weeks of rehab to restore strength and balance properly.
Research suggests 4–8 weeks of physio can significantly improve pain and reduce the risk of repeat sprains in chronic ankle instability.
Conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis typically improve over 8–12 weeks of a structured loading programme, and sometimes longer in long‑standing cases.
Recovery is faster when rehab is started early, exercises are done consistently, and you avoid returning to sport too quickly; your physio will give you clear milestones for walking, stairs, and running.
You should see a clinician promptly if you cannot walk normally, pain is not improving after a few days, or the injury is affecting work, sport, or sleep.
Seek same‑day urgent care if you cannot bear weight at all, see a visible deformity, have severe swelling or bruising, or suspect a fracture.
Book a physiotherapy appointment within a week if pain or swelling is still limiting your walking, you feel the ankle “giving way”, or you have ongoing heel or tendon pain.
Early physio assessment helps identify whether you simply need guided rehab, or whether imaging and specialist input are needed; in New Zealand, many sprains are covered by ACC and may be eligible for funded pathways.
At Auckland Physiotherapy, you can book directly without a GP referral, and our team can help you with ACC claims, referrals for imaging, and onward specialist care if required.
The best way to prevent future foot and ankle injuries is to build strong, stable, and well‑controlled legs and feet, and to progress your training gradually.
Regular strength and balance exercises for the calf, ankle, and foot muscles reduce the risk of repeat sprains and tendon issues, especially if you play running or jumping sports.
Good footwear that suits your sport and foot type, plus orthoses where needed, can improve load distribution and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, Achilles, and other structures.
Warm‑ups, gradual changes in training volume, and cross‑training help your tissues adapt and reduce overload injuries.
If you have a history of ankle sprains, taping or bracing during higher‑risk activities and maintaining a home exercise programme can significantly reduce the chance of another injury.
Our physiotherapists can assess your movement, footwear, and training, then design a prevention plan that may include strength and conditioning, Pilates, and run analysis tailored to how you live and move in Tāmaki Makaurau.
